

If this happens, you may notice smoke emitting from the engine or tailpipe, a loss of power, engine knocking sounds, or decreased efficiency. If you’ve ever said, “I am about to blow a gasket,” to describe your mood - you know that this happening to your engine is bad news! Low coolant can sometimes cause a head gasket on your engine block to blow. Continued use of an overheated engine could lead to permanent damage, such as pistons welding to the cylinders.

So, without enough coolant, the engine could overheat or seize up. Your engine could overheat.Ĭoolant helps pull heat away from the engine. Here are some things that can happen if you drive with low coolant.

Driving with low coolant could let your engine get too hot, which usually spells trouble for your engine, your vehicle, and your journey! Effects of Low Coolant in Carĭriving with low coolant can damage certain parts of your vehicle, which could require major repairs. To ensure the engine stays at an optimal operating temperature, your car relies on a fluid called antifreeze, or engine coolant. A majority of the heat, however, must be managed another way. When you use your car’s heater, some of this heat is channeled into the cabin for your comfort. Gasoline engines, diesel engines, hybrid vehicles, and even electric cars naturally create heat.
